Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Volume 108, Issue 3, March 1995, Pages 812-817
Gastroenterology

Liver cell dysplasia is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: A prospective study

https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(95)90455-7Get rights and content

Abstract

Background/Aims: In humans, the role of liver cell dysplasia as a preneoplastic lesion is still debated. A prospective, long-term, multicenter study was performed to establish whether liver cell dysplasia in cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A cohort of 307 consecutive patients in whom liver cirrhosis was diagnosed by histology was investigated for development of HCC at 6-month intervals by ultrasonography and determination of α-fetoprotein levels. Results: At enrollment, liver cell dysplasia was found in 75 patients (24%) and in 53% (P < 0.01) of those positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). After a mean follow-up of 46 months, HCC was detected in 45 cases, and it was significantly more frequent in patients with liver cell dysplasia (P < 0.01) and HBsAg-serum positivity (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that liver cell dysplasia was the most important risk factor correlated with HCC development. HBsAg positivity and age over 60 years were also independent risk factors for HCC. Conclusions: These results indicate that liver cell dysplasia is a major risk factor for HCC, and it should be looked for carefully by pathologists in liver biopsy specimens to identify patients requiring more intensive observation.

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  • Cited by (0)

    The authors thank Professor Roberto De Franchis for his extensive and dedicated editorial review, as well as for his support and encouragement.

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